Bill Pitcher

William George Henry Pitcher (born 5 February 1910 in Coventry, England^[1] - died 24 October 1995) was an international motorcycle speedway rider who rode in the first ever World Championship final in 1936.^[2] He earned 7 international caps for the England national speedway team.^[3]

Bill Pitcher

Born	(1910-02-05)5 February 1910 Coventry, England
Died	24 October 1995(1995-10-24) (aged 85) Queens County, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Nationality	British (English)
Career history
1930-1931	Leicester Stadium
1931	Crystal Palace Glaziers
1932-1933	Coventry
1934	Birmingham Bulldogs
1935-1939	Harringay Tigers
1946-1948	Belle Vue Aces
1949	Wimbledon Dons
Team honours
1946, 1947	National Trophy winner
1935	London Cup winner
1946	A.C.U. Cup winner

Career

From 1930 to 1933, Pitcher rode for Leicester Stadium, Crystal Palace Glaziers and Coventry. In 1934, he rode one season for Birmingham Bulldogs and continued to compete in individual meetings.^[4]

His career blossomed after he joined Harringay Tigers in 1935 and rode for them for five years before World War II interrupted his career.^[5] He a member of the team that won the London Cup in 1935^[6] and in 1936 he rode in the first ever Speedway World Championship.

After the end of the war he joined the Belle Vue Aces. Pitcher was also a member of the England team that toured Australia in 1946–47. He made his England international debut in 1939.^[1] His final season was in 1949 with the Wimbledon Dons.^[7]

World Final appearances

• 1936 - London, Wembley Stadium - 17th - 8pts^[2]